The South China Morning Post published on 21 January 2026 an article titled "Chinese Goods Pour into Africa, Widening Trade Gap to Record US$102 Billion Amid US Pressure" by Jevans Nyabiage.
In 2025, China had a record $102 billion trade surplus with Africa, increasing from a $62 billion surplus in 2024. In 2025, Chinese exports to Africa increased by 25.8 percent while African exports to China increased by only 5.4 percent. As China's exports to the United States declined, they ramped up to other parts of the world, especially Africa.
Comment: The increasing African trade deficit with China poses a major challenge in the relationship. It remains to be seen if China's recent zero tariff policy for many African countries will make a difference. In the case of those countries that do not sell what China wants to buy, zero tariffs will not have any significant impact.
